Call Boy Kill Boy’s debut album Civilian anything you like – epic, ravenous, doomy, electrified, billowing, bilious, brilliant – what leaps out is just how brazenly alive it is.  Full text...

Drawing on the kind of nu-metal/emo American influences which have seen bands like Lostprophets able to turn their sound into the epic, by equal parts doom-laden and euphoric stadium rock which would also work remarkably well in a fairly intimate venue, Civilian marries Killers-style synths and riffs (Six Minutes) with classic pop-rock choruses (Suzie, On And On) and some really great slower pop tracks like Ivy Parker - which manages to nail a jangly Beatles-esque pentatonic piano line to some big rock basslines and power chords.  Full text...

As debut, 'Civil Sin' is a laudable effort, but you just get the impression that the creases in the middle could have been ironed out with a little care and attention from a band with undoubted potential.  Full text...

The immaculately coiffured and stylish band with the plan to get you on the dancefloor and nail your feet there. They're not really going to nail your feet - that would prevent you dancing.  Full text...

Boy Kill Boy have created a commendable collection of shout-out-loud crowd pleasers, with reprieves coming in the form of pretty piano ballads 'Ivy Parker' and 'Shoot Me Down'; but if you're seeking something new you won't be finding it here.  Full text...

As an album, though, it's like a half-pint of shandy - refreshing for five minutes or so but distinctly average, and under no circumstances would you want to let any of your friends in its company.  Full text...

Each song is enthusiastic but underwhelming, bogged down by bluster and the belief that a frequently repeated chorus is enough.  Full text...

'Civilian' just sounds like the moping cousin of The Automatic, an industry bolt on accessory to The Killers, soon-to-be-forgotten, emotionless Tesco Goth.  Full text...